9:30 LRN Newscast August 26

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression nine has formed over the western Caribbean. Strengthening is expected as the tropical disturbance could enter the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says several models show a potential landfall in Louisiana…
cut 9 (04) “…in the mix”
The National Hurricane Center says dangerous impacts from storm surge, wind and heavy rainfall are possible Sunday and Monday along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.

The U-S Department of the Interior is moving ahead with plans to hold a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale. The Biden Administration issued a moratorium on new oil and gas development on federal lands and waters, but a federal judge ruled in June it should be lifted. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the President also probably looked at the price of gas…
Cut 4 (07) “…haunt them.”
The auction could take place in October.

There are statewide elections in October and November and the voting experience in 2021 will go back to pre-COVID ways. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says that means he does not plan to ask the governor and the state legislature to expand absentee mail-in balloting or provide additional early voting days like there were for last year’s presidential election…
cut 10 (05) “….both”
The deadline to register to vote in the October 9th election is September 8th.

With the first home game at Tiger Stadium a little over two weeks away, LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward is urging fans to prep ahead so they aren’t caught off guard with the new policies requiring those 12 and up to be either vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test 72 hours prior kickoff.
Cut 13 (06) “…for gameday.”

8:30 LRN Newscast August 26

The U-S Interior Department is moving forward with plans to hold a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease auction, possibly in October. The President placed a moratorium on new lease sales soon after entering office, but a federal judge ruled in June it should be lifted. The Biden Administration previously said reducing domestic oil and gas production was key to limiting global warming. But Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says…
cut 5 (09) “….for oil”

There are statewide elections in October and November, but Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says there are no plans to expand absentee-by-mail voting or adding more early voting days. He says there are vaccines available this year, unlike last year and voters can also mask up…
cut 12 (08) “…during COVID

The state health department reports a child under the age of one has died from COVID-19. Also, the weekly death toll from the coronavirus has reached its highest point since the pandemic’s first wave in the spring of 2020. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter calls this news heartbreaking.

Fans will enter Tiger Stadium in a little over two weeks but with new COVID policies to make the experience as safe as possible. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

7:30 LRN Newscast August 26

The Associated Press has released graphic body camera video that shows a State Police Trooper hitting a Black motorist with a flashlight 18 times. The incident happened in May 2019 in Monroe. Aaron Bowman said he thought he was going to die that night. Trooper Jacob Brown defends his actions by calling it pain compliance. He faces state chargers in this beating and two others involving Black motorists.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the fall elections in October and November will run as they did pre-COVID…
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Biden administration reportedly plans to hold a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease auction, possibly in October. A federal judge ruled in June that the White House must lift a moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the lease sale ban reversal coupled with rising oil prices helps put the industry back on track…
cut 6 (11) “…well sites”

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the Tiger Stadium vaccination policy does not apply to tailgating, but he hopes tailgaters practice social distancing…
cut 15 (12) “…tailgating”
LSU season ticket holders who do not want to attend games this year and want a refund, have until tomorrow to ask for one. An LSU spokesperson said late yesterday afternoon that they’ve received refund requests from 50 to 75 ticket holders.

6:45 LRN Sportscast August 26

LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward says the Tiger Stadium vaccination policy does not apply to tailgating, but he hopes tailgaters practice social distancing when they are enjoying the day on campus…
cut 15 (12) “…tailgating”
LSU season ticket holders who do not want to attend games this year and want a refund, have until tomorrow to ask for one. An LSU spokesperson said late yesterday afternoon that so far they’ve received refund requests from 50 to 75 ticket holders.

LSU is preparing to play UCLA in the season opener on September fourth in the Rose Bowl. It’s been reported the Tigers will open the 2024 season by facing USC in Las Vegas. The two schools haven’t played since 1984 when LSU beat the Trojans 23-3 in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The Saints are preparing for their preseason finale on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. New Orleans is thin at the tight end position. Adam Trautman’s foot injury could sideline him one to three weeks and fellow tight end Nick Vannett is expected to miss two to four weeks with a knee injury. New Orleans has also placed cornerback Brian Poole and defensive tackle Jalen Dalton on injured reserve and they will not be eligible to return this season.

Former LSU Tiger Joe Burrow will make his preseason debut on Sunday when the Bengals host the Dolphins. Burrow has not played in a game in eight months since suffering a major knee injury.

Former Saints Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was named the Broncos starting quarterback. Bridgewater beat out incumbent starter Drew Lock.

We should learn more about the battle for starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech. Coach Skip Holtz is expected to discuss his QBs today.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on a tropical wave in the Caribbean that’s expected to become a named storm in the next 48 hours and move into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend….
cut 7 (11) “…Gulf Coast”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says this system has the potential to impact Louisiana Sunday night into Monday.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he will not enact a coronavirus emergency plan for the fall elections. Ardoin says that means no expanded absentee-by-mail voting or expanded early voting…
cut 11 (06) “….work out”
Ardoin says an emergency election plan is not needed since COVID vaccines are widely available.

The Biden Administration announces it will comply with a federal court ruling requiring it to restart oil and gas lease sales. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast August 25

At least one COVID vaccine shot or a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to entry will be needed in order to attend an LSU football game this season. Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey calls the protocol an overreach with no historical precedent…..
cut 30 (09) “….sporting event”
LSU athletics director Scott Woodward says they are doing everything they can to ensure the experience in Tiger Stadium is safe and enjoyable. It remains to be seen if the vaccine policy will hurt or help attendance, but offensive guard Ed Ingram says it’s something they can not control…
cut 18 (14) “….UCLA right now
LSU versus UCLA will kick off on September 4th at Seven PM.

Nick Underhill at New Orleans-dot-football reports that tight end Adam Trautman will see a foot specialist tomorrow after he left Monday’s preseason game on a cart. But Underhill says the hope is that the second-year pro will only miss one to three weeks.

The other tight ends on the roster are Juwan Johnson, Ethan Wolf and Garrett Griffin. Griffin is hurt and didn’t play on Monday, but Underhill reports he should be ready for week one.

Former Saints Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was named the Broncos starting quarterback today. Bridgewater beat out incumbent starter Drew Lock.

Conference USA announces its championship football game will be played on Friday, December 3rd. CBS Sports Network will televise the game, which will get underway at 6 PM. The title game will feature champions from the East and West Divisions and the team with the highest league winning percentage will serve as the host site for the game.

We should learn more about the battle for starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech. Coach Skip Holtz is expected to discuss QBS tomorrow.

LRN PM Newscall August 25

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says a majority of those eligible to receive assistance from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund did not. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

The state health department reports a child under the age of one has died from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

______________________________________

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says the industry is still struggling and eateries in the state failed to receive their fair share of funding from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Cut 3 (11) “…get funded.” 

Harris says originally restaurants asked Congress for $120 billion but only received $28.6-billion. Stipulations were also added to the funding that women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged restaurants were given priority.

Harris says for the Bayou State there are almost 3,000 restaurants, bars, craft brewers, and entertainment venues still in need.

Cut 4 (10) “…business alive” 

Harris says the National Restaurant Association has asked Congress for more funding to be added to the RRF to offer relief for pending applications. In Louisiana, Harris says 62-percent of applicants didn’t receive any funding, and as the industry continues to face pandemic hurdles and a worker shortage…

Cut 5 (07) “…my bills.”

Harris says while they’ve received positive feedback from the Louisiana Congressional delegation, they fear the length of time it would take to receive funding will only force more owners to close their doors.

__________________________

State health officials say 31-percent of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Louisiana were in children younger than 18. Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for the COVID vaccine. Physician in Chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans Dr. Mark Kline says clinical trials to make the vaccine available for kids under 12 are ongoing.

Cut 6 (09) “…October.” 

Kline says that means the Pfizer vaccine could be available for 5 to 11 year-olds before the end of the year. He says emergency use authorization for this age group can not come soon enough.

Cut 7 (07) “…age group.”  

Kline believes the COVID vaccines can be as effective in children as adults…

Cut 8 (11) “…looking for”

Until the vaccines are approved for those under the age of 12, Kline encourages all ages to wear masks to help protect those who cannot be vaccinated yet.

_______________________

Caddo Parish Sheriffs made arrests yesterday in two separate incidents where students threatened school shootings on social media.

Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says one of those arrested was 18-year-old Raybon Marter who threatened to do a school shooting at Southwood High School on Snapchat.

Cut 9 (11) “…arrested.”

Marter was charged with terrorizing.

In another unrelated event, a 15-year-old posted a picture of himself on Instagram putting a gun in his backpack and a separate picture of himself walking to the Woodlawn Leadership Academy campus.

Cut 10 (13) “…magazine”

The teen was arrested for having a gun on campus and terrorizing.

Chadwick says these days it’s not just the public who is reporting school shooting threats from social media, it’s the social media companies themselves…

Cut  11 (10) “…investigate”  

_____________________________

Louisiana SPCA animal shelters are nearly 100 percent past capacity and the organization is hoping to make room by offering adoptions for only 25 dollars through September 19th. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says housing challenges and pandemic economic troubles are driving a big uptick in owner surrenders.

Cut 12 (06) “…pet” 

Vial says another issue is owners who worked from home are now having to return to the office and feel that they don’t have the time to spend with a pet anymore. There’s also another odd trend…

Cut 13 (12) “…started”

If you are considering surrendering your pet Vial encourages you to contact the LSPCA first. The organization may be able to provide aid in keeping your pet with you.

The 25 dollar adoption fee applies to all cats over six months old and large dogs. Vial says it’s a real bargain…

Cut 14 (13) “..training”

Vial says if you don’t want to make a long-term commitment right now they’d greatly appreciate help fostering pets.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 25

One team, one heartbeat has been the mantra LSU Coach Ed Orgeron uses to describe the football program since he took over as interim head coach in 2016. But the Tigers lacked that togetherness last season when they went five and five. Senior offensive tackle Austin Deculus says it’s a different feeling this season
cut 16 (26) “…talking about.”
Seven LSU players made the All-SEC preseason teams. Derek Stingley Junior, Cade York, Kayson Boutte, Ed Ingram, Ali Gaye, Eli Ricks and Austin Deculus.

Proof of vaccination or a recent COVID test will be required to enter Tiger Stadium to watch football games this season. Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey says the policy is premature and he believes by the time of the home opener on September 11th the COVID situation in Louisiana will be much better…
cut 15 (08) “….are now”
LSU season ticket holders have until Friday to request a refund.

Saints Tight end Adam Trautman left Monday’s game on a cart and he’s expected to miss some time with an injured left foot. Trautman caught 15 passes as a rookie last season. Trautman’s injury leaves New Orleans thin at the tight end position. They had just two at practice yesterday, Juwan Johnson and Ethan Wolf.

Former Jennings star Travis Etienne will miss his rookie season with the Jaguars after injuring his foot in Monday’s loss to the Saints.

9:30 LRN Newscast August 25

Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine, LSU President William Tate says students will be required to be vaccinated or they will undergo regular COVID testing. Students have until September 10th to submit proof of their first vaccination and October 15th for their second vaccination….
cut 4 (08) “…semester”

Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey blasts LSU’s decision to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium this fall. Cathey says the policy is inconvenient for fans.
Cut 13 (08) “…stuff for the fans.”
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward says the vaccine mandate is to ensure the fans’ experience in Tiger Stadium is safe.

40-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. That ranks 44th in the nation. LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Catherine O’Neal hopes full FDA approval for the Pfizer vaccine will generate more trust for those who are hesitant to get the shot…
cut 12 (07) “…works”
Louisiana is reporting 2,856 COVID patients in the hospital. Ochsner Health Hospital Quality Director Doctor Sandra Kemmerly says they are also seeing more pediatric patients…
cut 7 (09) “….the hospital”
Doctor Mark Kline, Physician-in-Chief and Children’s Hospital New Orleans expects emergency use authorization for kids to receive the vaccine before the end of the year.

8:30 LRN Newscast August 25

Rural regions lag far behind suburban and urban areas in the overall vaccination rate. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal about the disparity…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

It’s time to start watching the tropics, there’s a low-pressure system in the Caribbean that has the chance to develop into a tropical storm once it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula gets into the western Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.

LSU is giving its students until October 15th to get fully vaccinated. System President Doctor William Tate says Louisiana law allows for students to opt-out of vaccinations and those who choose this route will be required to be tested for COVID on a regular basis…
cut 5 (06) “…protocol”
Proof of vaccination or a recent COVID test will also be required to enter Tiger Stadium to watch football games this season. Monroe Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey says the policy is premature and he believes by the time of the home opener on September 11th the COVID situation in Louisiana will be much better…
cut 15 (08) “….are now”
LSU season ticket holders have until Friday to request a refund.